Clasping apparatus, system, and method

ABSTRACT

A clasping apparatus having a main body a removable element coupled to a front surface of the main body. A second removable element may be coupled to a top surface of the main body. A first insert may be removably coupled to a first lateral side of the main body and a second insert may be removably coupled to a second lateral side of the main body. A band with a first end may be removably coupled to the first insert, and a second end may be removably coupled to the second insert.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/648,309, filed May 17, 2012, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Conventional clasping mechanisms, such as box clasps, hook-and-eye clasps, lobster clasps, magnetic clasps, S clasps, spring ring clasps, toggle clasps, and tube bar clasps, are designed solely for the purpose of joining or fastening. While many people utilize clasping mechanisms on popular items such as wrist watches, necklaces, bracelets, other jewelry or alternative accessories, conventional clasping mechanisms are generally not customizable. Moreover, despite the fact that many persons utilize or carry these clasping mechanisms on a constant or frequent basis, most are not adapted to include or modularly receive other frequently used auxiliary elements.

SUMMARY

In one exemplary embodiment, a clasping apparatus having a main body and at least one first removable element removably coupled to a front surface of the main body may be shown. At least one second removable element may be removably coupled to a top surface of the main body. At least one first insert may be removably coupled to a first lateral side of the main body and at least one second insert may be removably coupled to a second lateral side of the main body. A band with a first end may be removably coupled to the at least one first insert and a second end may be removably coupled to the at least one second insert.

In another exemplary embodiment, a clasping apparatus may include a main body having a front surface, a rear surface, a top surface, a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface may be shown. A recess may be found on the front surface of the main body. A raised portion may be found on the top surface of the main body. At least one first bore may traverse the first lateral side of the main body, the first bore having a first opening on the front surface of the main body. At least one second bore may traverse the second lateral side of the main body, the second bore having a second opening on a rear surface of the main body.

In another exemplary embodiment, a clasping apparatus may include a main body having have a front surface, a rear surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface. A first set of apertures may traverse the main body from the top surface to the bottom surface. A second set of apertures may traverse the main body from the top surface to the bottom surface. A first removable element may be inserted into a recess on the front surface of the main body. The first removable element may have at least one cutout in alignment with at least one of the first set of apertures. At least one insert may be coupled to one lateral side of the main body. The at least one insert may have at least one opening aligned with at least one of the second set of apertures. A second removable element may be coupled to the top surface of the main body. The second removable element may have a first set of projections and a second set of projections that may be received by the first set of apertures and the second set of apertures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements.

FIGS. 1 a-b may illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a clasping apparatus.

FIG. 2 may illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a clasping apparatus.

FIG. 3 may illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a clasping apparatus.

FIG. 4 may illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a clasping apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present invention are disclosed in the following description and related figures directed to specific embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” The embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described embodiments are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the terms “embodiments of the invention”, “embodiments” or “invention” do not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 a-b an exemplary embodiment of a clasping apparatus 100 may be shown. FIG. 1 b may show an exploded view of clasping apparatus 100. The clasping apparatus 100 may include a clasp interface 102, and a band 104. In some exemplary embodiments, clasp interface 102 may have a main body 103. A first removable element 106 may be inserted through a front surface of the main body 103. In another exemplary embodiment, a second removable element 108 may be coupled to a top surface of the main body 103. The band 104 may have a first end coupled to a first lateral surface of the main body 102 and a second end coupled to a second lateral surface of the main body, for example, by first and second inserts 110.

As explained in more detail below, in some exemplary embodiments, clasping apparatus 100 may be used to display at least one company logo. In other exemplary embodiments, clasping apparatus may be used, for example, for keyless entry, to start or otherwise control a remote device, to store digital information, or the like. The clasp apparatus 100 may provide, for example, a novel method of removably coupling or clasping jewelry or accessory items.

Turning to FIG. 2, another exemplary embodiment of a clasping apparatus 200 may be shown. Clasping apparatus 200 may have a main body 202. Main body 202 may be substantially rectangular with a front surface, a rear surface, a first lateral surface, a second lateral surface, a top surface and a bottom surface. In alternative embodiments, main body 202 may be square, circular, or any shape. A first removable element 204 may be coupled to main body 202. For example, first removable element 204 may be slidably inserted into a first recess 206 on a front surface of main body 202. First removable element 204 may have an exterior grip 205 that may remain at least partially outside main body 202 when coupled thereto, which may allow for easy insertion and removal from main body 202. First removable element 204 may otherwise couple at another location on main body 202, for example, on an alternative surface of main body 202.

A second removable element 208 may be coupled to main body 202. For example, second removable element 208 may be magnetically coupled to a raised portion 210 on a top surface of main body 202. In other exemplary embodiments, second removable element 208 may be threadably, frictionally, adhesively, snap-fitted, or otherwise mechanically fastened or coupled to raised portion 210 or any portion of the top surface of main body 202.

In some exemplary embodiments, first removable element 204 may include an electronic or mechanical device, such as, for example, a USB memory stick, a GPS device, a Bluetooth® device, a Wi-Fi enabled device, a SIM card or the like, and may provide, for example, a mobile hotspot for network or Internet access, remote car ignition or the like, as well of ease of access and portability of these devices. Second removable element 208 may be a substantially flat plaque or plate and may include, for example, markings, engravings, designs, logos, or the like as an identification element and/or for ornamental use. In alternative embodiments, the second removable element 208 may be used, for example, as a golf ball marker. In still alternative embodiments, second removable element 208 may include any electronic or mechanical device known in the art. The first removable element 204 and second removable element 208 may be generally removable and/or swappable for alternative removable elements.

Still referring to FIG. 2, clasping apparatus 200 may include first insert 212 and second insert 214 that may be removably coupled to main body 202. For example, main body 202 may be sized, shaped and adapted to slidably receive or otherwise receive the first insert 212 into a first bore 216. In an exemplary embodiment, first bore 216 may define an opening on a front surface of main body 202 and substantialy traverse a first lateral surface of the main body 202. In an exemplary embodiment, first insert 212 may be inserted into the opening defined on the front surface of main body 202, into the first bore 216. The first insert 212 may be further moved through the first bore 216, toward the rear surface of main body 202, proximate the first lateral surface of main body 202. The first bore 216 may be configured such that at least a portion of the rear surface of main body 202 may prevent the first insert 212 from exiting or sliding completely through the rear surface of main body 202.

The main body 202 may be further adapted to slidably receive or otherwise receive the second insert 214 into a second bore 218 through a second lateral surface of the main body 202. In an exemplary embodiment, second bore 218 may define an opening on a rear surface of main body 202, and substantialy traverse the second lateral surface of the main body 202. In an exemplary embodiment, second insert 214 may be inserted into the opening on the rear surface of main body 202, and into the second bore 218. The second insert 214 may be further moved through the second bore 218, toward the front surface of main body 202, proximate the second lateral surface of main body 202. The second bore 218 may be configured such that at least a portion of the front surface of main body 202 may prevent the second insert 214 from exiting or sliding completely through the front surface of main body 202.

First insert 212 and second insert 214 may be substantially similar structures. For example, the first insert 212 and/or the second insert 214 may be a cylindrical member having a circular cross-section. Alternatively, first insert 212 and/or second insert 214 may have a cross-section of any regular or irregular geometric shape known in the art. The cross section of first insert 212 and second insert 214 may be substantially similar to the size and shape of respective first bore 216 and second bore 218.

First insert 212 may include a slot 222 adapted to slidably receive or otherwise receive an end of a band 220. Second insert 214 may have a similar slot to receive a second end of band 220. For example, a first end of band 220 may be coupled to first insert 212, and a second end of band 220 may be coupled to second insert 214. The band end portion may be coupled to the insert using, for example, a screw mechanism, a magnetic mechanism, an adhesive mechanism, and/or any fastening method or mechanism known in the art.

Band 220 may be a strap, a strip, or other like material that may be worn by a user. Band 220 may include a first band end portion and a second band end portion. Band 220 may be flexible, rigid, and/or articulated, and may have an outside texture. Band 220 may be adjustable in size, for example, by using notches substantially evenly spaced along a length of band 220. Band 220 may be made of rubber, plastic, or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, band 220 may be made of a high density silicone rubber. Band 220 may include a piece of jewelry, such as, for example, a bracelet, a necklace, a fashion accessory, a belt, a collar, or any like band known in the art to be fastenable or closable using a clasp.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a top view of an exemplary embodiment of clasping apparatus 200 may be shown. For convenience of illustration, substantially similar functional elements to those in the FIG. 2 embodiment are represented by similar numerals. Furthermore, the arrows in FIG. 3 may represent exemplary movements of the functional elements of clasping apparatus 200.

Clasping apparatus 200 may include main body 202. First removable element 204 may be removably coupled to main body 202. For example, first removable element 204 may be selectively inserted and removed into a first recess (not shown) on a front surface of main body 202, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 3.

Second removable element 208 may be removably coupled, for example, to a top surface of main body 202. For example, second removable element 208 may be rotated clockwise or counter clockwise to removably couple second removable element 208 to the top surface of main body 202 as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In other exemplary embodiments, second removable element 208 may be removably coupled to main body 202 by raising or lowering second removable element 208 substantially along a shared vertical axis of main body 202.

Clasping apparatus 200 may have a band 220. Band 220 may have a first end coupled to first insert 212, and a second end coupled to second insert 214. As shown by the exemplary arrows in FIG. 3 first insert 212 may be slidably inserted into first bore (not shown) on the front surface of main body 202 toward the rear surface of main body 202 proximate the first lateral surface of main body 202. As a result, first insert 212 may be used to couple the first end of band 220 to main body 202. As would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, the opposite movement may be used to remove first insert 212 from main body 202, and uncouple the first end of band 220 from main body 202.

As shown further by the exemplary arrows in FIG. 3 second insert 214 may be slidably inserted into second bore (not shown) on the rear surface of main body 202 toward the front surface of main body 202 proximate the second lateral surface of main body 202. As a result, second insert 214 may be used to couple the second end of band 220 to main body 202. As would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, the opposite movement may be used to remove second insert 214 from main body 202, and uncouple the second end of band 220 from main body 202.

It should be further understood that any combination of the first removable element, second removable element, first insert, second insert, and band may at any time be coupled or uncoupled to the main body. Furthermore, any of the first removable element, second removable element, first insert, second insert and band may be removed, replaced, swapped or the like, for example, to make the clasping apparatus customized to a user's preference without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

Turning now to FIG. 4, another exemplary embodiment of a clasping apparatus 400 may be shown. Clasping apparatus 400 may have a main body 402, a first removable element 404, a second removable element 408, inserts 410, and band 414.

Main body 402 may have a first recess 406 on a front surface and bores 412 on respective first and second lateral sides. Main body 402 may have a first set of apertures 416 and a second set of apertures 418. First set of apertures 416 and second set of apertures 418 may partially or entirely traverse or pass through main body 402 from a top surface to a bottom surface.

First removable element 404 may be removably received within first recess 406 of main body 402. First removable element 404 may have cutouts 426 which may align with first set of apertures 416 when first removable element 404 is fully received within first recess 406.

Inserts 410 may be removably received within bores 412 on respective front and rear surfaces of main body 402, which may removably couple band 414 to main body 402. Inserts 410 may have openings 420 which may align with second set of apertures 418 when inserts are fully received within bores 412.

Second removable element 408 may be removably coupled to the top surface of main body 402. Second removable element 408 may have a first set of projections 422 and a second set of projections 424. First set of projections 422 and second set of projections 424 may be, for example, retention pins, prongs, pegs or the like extending from a bottom surface of second removable element 408. Second removable element 408 may couple to the top surface of main body 402 by, for example, inserting first set of projections 422 into first set of apertures 416 and second set of projections 424 into second set of apertures 418. First set of projections 422 and second set of projections 424 may be magnetically, frictionally, pin-retained, or otherwise mechanically fastened or coupled within first set of apertures 416 and second set of apertures 418. As described in more detail below, first set of projections 422 may prohibit insertion or removal of first removable element 404, and second set of projections 424 may prohibit insertion or removal of inserts 410. Therefore, in some exemplary embodiments, second removable element 408 may be used to lock other elements of clasping apparatus 400 in place.

Still referring to FIG. 4, first removable element 404 may be fully received within first recess 406 such that cutouts 426 may align with first set of apertures 416. Inserts 410 may be fully received within bores 412 such that openings 420 may align with second set of apertures 418. Second removable element 408 may then be coupled to the top surface of main body 402, for example, by inserting first set of projections 422 into first set of apertures 416, and second set of projections 424 into second set of apertures 418.

In this position, first set of projections 422 may be at least partially received through cutouts 426 of first removable element 404, and second set of projections 424 may be at least partially received through openings 420 of inserts 410. Therefore, as should be understood by a person of ordinary skill, second removable element 408 may be used to lock or otherwise retain first removable element 404 and inserts 410 within main body 402. In this exemplary embodiment, second removable element 408 may then have to be removed or uncoupled from main body 402 before first removable element 404 and inserts 410 may be removed or uncoupled from main body 402.

It should be further understood that the shape and positioning of any of the first set of apertures, second set of apertures, cutouts, openings, first set of projections and second set of projections may be modified, changed or altered without deviating from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, any of the first removable element, second removable element, first insert, second insert and band may be removed, replaced, swapped or the like, for example, to make the clasping apparatus customized to a user's preference without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A clasping apparatus comprising a main body; at least one first removable element removably coupled to a front surface of the main body; at least one second removable element removably coupled to a top surface of the main body; at least one first insert removably coupled to a first lateral side of the main body; at least one second insert removably coupled to a second lateral side of the main body; and a band with a first end removably coupled to the at least one first insert and a second end removably coupled to the at least one second insert.
 2. The clasping apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a recess on the front surface of the main body, the recess operable to slidably receive the at least one first removable element.
 3. The clasping apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a raised portion on the top surface of the main body, the raised portion operable to receive the at least one second removable element.
 4. The clasping apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one second removable element is at least one of threadably, frictionally, adhesively, snap-fitted, or magnetically received on the raised portion of the top surface.
 5. The clasping apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: at least one first bore traversing the first lateral side of the main body, the first bore having a first opening on the front surface of the main body; and at least one second bore traversing the second lateral side of the main body, the second bore having a second opening on a rear surface of the main body.
 6. The clasping apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first bore is adapted to slidably receive the at least one first insert through the first opening on the front surface of the main body, and the second bore is adapted to slidably receive the at least one second insert through the second opening on the rear surface of the main body.
 7. The clasping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one first insert and the at least one second insert are cylindrical.
 8. The clasping apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first slot on the first insert adapted to receive at least one of the first end and the second end of the band; and a second slot on the second insert adapted to receive at least one of the first end and the second end of the band.
 9. The clasping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one first removable element is an electronic or mechanical device.
 10. The clasping apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one first removable element is at least one of a USB memory stick, a GPS device, or a Bluetooth device.
 11. The clasping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one second removable element includes at least one of an identification element, logo, or ornamental element.
 12. The clasping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the band is flexible and adjustable in length.
 13. The clasping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one first removable element has at least one exterior grip.
 14. The clasping apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first removable element and the second removable element are replaceable with at least one third removable element.
 15. The clasping apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one first insert and the at least one second insert are replaceable with at least one third insert.
 16. The clasping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the band is replaceable with at least one second band.
 17. A clasping apparatus, comprising: a main body having a front surface, a rear surface, a top surface, a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface; a recess on the front surface of the main body; a raised portion on the top surface of the main body; at least one first bore traversing the first lateral side of the main body, the first bore having a first opening on the front surface of the main body; and at least one second bore traversing the second lateral side of the main body, the second bore having a second opening on a rear surface of the main body.
 18. The clasping apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: at least one removable element removably coupled to at least one surface of the main body; at least one insert removably coupled to at least one surface of the main body; and a band removably coupled to the at least one insert. 